How to Adjust Portable Sawmills

Sawmills plane down raw lumber rounds.

Portable sawmills are smaller timber-cutting equipment units designed to cut timber out of raw logs and rounds. Portable sawmills typically have adjustments to cut the rounds into your desired length and width of timbers. While each maker of portable sawmills place the adjusting dials in different locations, there is a basic formula behind the dials. Use the basic formula to cut your timbers with the adjustable sawmill at your disposal.

Instructions

1. Place the sawmill on a flat and level surface and lock it down on the bench or surface using the attachments with the sawmill legs. Place the log round onto the planer --- the flat surface where the log is run through the circular saw blades. Push the set pins into the round to prevent it from rolling or moving.

2. Set the "Quarter-Scale" --- the dial that controls the width of the cut to either 1 or 2 inch width. Turn the dial as per the sawmills fixtures. Stand next to the operator's station and locate these controls. The operator's station is typically off the side of the mill and has a series of knobs and handles for adjusting the unit.

3. Lower the sawhead adjustment onto the round. This locks the round into position and lets you position the saw blade for precise cuts. Ensure the round is making contact with the sawmill rollers.

4. Turn the handles to control the horizontal saw blade height to the round. This allows you to make the fine adjustments to remove bark and begin turing the round into the rectangular timbers. Set to your desired height.

5. Turn the handles on the vertical blade adjustment to cut down the sides of the rounds. Turn counter-clockwise to reduce the distance and to the right to increase.

6. Turn the sawmill on and push the round through to cut the two sides away where the horizontal and vertical blades connect with the round. Turn the mill off, and place the round back on the mill to cut away the other round sides of the log. Use the same adjustments as the first go around.

Tips & Warnings

• Always use safety goggles, gloves and a hard hat when using a sawmill.

References

• Portable Sawmills: Forestry Equipment: PDF
• Free Patents Online: Portable Sawmill